Nintendo Wii U Prop Controller

When Nintendo first unveiled the Wii U and its tablet-like controller, it was met with some mixed reactions. On one hand, it provided a unique way to go about playing games, but it just wasn't what hardcore gamers had been hoping for. Fast forward to this year's pre-E3 Nintendo Direct, and gamers prayers were answered in the form of the the Wii U Pro Controller. Comparable in almost every way to the Xbox 360 controller, it offers a much more traditional way of playing games like The Legend of Zelda and Assassin's Creed 3 on the Big N's HD console.

While the Pro Controller will give Wii U owners a standard way to play, it'll also allegedly pack a massive battery life. According to the product's description on both Amazon and GameStop websites, the controller will last up to an astonishing 80 hours before needing to be recharged. This comes as a shock after it was confirmed that the Wii U GamePad's battery will only last between 3-5 hours, depending on how bright players have the screen set at.

Feel free to read the Pro Controller's official description below:

"Your games, your way. However you think of your gaming style-hardcore, old school, or purely nostalgic-the Wii U Pro Controller puts you in the game. Designed for accessibility and extended gameplay comfort, the Wii U Pro Controller features the dual analog sticks and ergonomic button layout that you’ve come to expect, as well as a rechargeable battery that can last up to 80 hours on a single charge. The Wii U Pro Controller can be used for playing a variety of games-from packaged games at retail to downloadable games from the Nintendo eShop. Look on the back of Wii U game packaging to see which games use the Wii U Pro Controller. Not compatible with the Wii system or games."

The fact that the description for the Pro Controller is the exact same on both sites is a sign that these details came straight from Nintendo. That doesn't mean these reports are entirely correct, however, and they could turn out to be nothing more than a factual error from a confused product rep. It probably won't be long until Nintendo clarifies whether or not the the Wii U Pro Controller can last up to 80 hours without needing to be recharged, but it's not unreasonable to expect the controller to last a fraction of the alleged battery life.

The Nintendo Wii U, and the system's Pro Controller, will be available on November 18th.

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Sources: Amazon & GameStop